Kahumbo shot dead in ‘black ops’

KOTA KINABALU: Notorious cross-border kidnapping mastermind Apo Kahumbo was shot dead by Philippine security forces within 72 hours of his arrest in what is suspected to be a black operation to prevent his eventual release.

The 44-year-old was killed when he purportedly tried to escape while being escorted under heavy guard from a court appearance in Bongao, the administrative capital of Tawi Tawi islands in southern Philippines.

He said investigations would be carried out on the shooting of Kahumbo, who was arrested for illegally possessing a .45 Colt loaded with six bullets and an MK2 grenade at a mobile checkpoint at Sanga Sanga village in Tawi Tawi province on Tuesday.

A Philippine police report seen by The Star stated that two security teams from Bangao had escorted Kahumbo to the provincial prosecutor’s office to charge him with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

According to the report, Kahumbo was charged before a judge and later transported along a road at Pagasa village in Bangao to the provincial jail.

“The suspect pulled the firearm of a security team member and resisted. That gave reason for the security team to shoot Kahumbo, resulting in his instant death.

“Team medics immediately applied first aid and brought Kahumbo to the hospital but he was declared DOA (dead on arrival).”

Intelligence sources in Philippines and Malaysia suspected that Kahumbo might have been killed in a “Black Ops”.

They said that it would have been difficult to find him guilty in court as he had the protection of someone influential in southern Philippines.

“It would be difficult to find him guilty on either illegal possession of weapons or kidnapping.

“Security forces know that he would eventually be freed and that is why they executed him,” said one source.

Kahumbo is believed to be one of the masterminds behind several cross-border kidnappings and was a member of Abu Sayyaf, which held hostages snatched from Sabah until ransom was paid.

Kahumbo’s base of operations was the Tawi Tawi chain of islands, less than a half hour from Sabah by boat.

Kahumbo and his group of gunmen were also connected to the notorious gang of kidnappers headed by the Muktadil brothers, who are believed to be responsible for the recent spate of kidnappings from Sabah.

The sources said Kahumbo might have been involved in the Pulau Mabul attack on July 12 when Filipino gunmen shot dead Marine Police Kpl Abdul Rajah Jamuan, 32, and kidnapped his colleague Kons Zakiah Aleip, 26.

In Merdeka parade, a more steely Malaysia on display

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — Known for its showcase of the country’s multicultural heritage, this year’s Merdeka Day parade took different tone and instead appeared almost to be a display of Malaysia’s military might.

In place of dancers in colourful traditional costumes, the avenue in front of the historic Merdeka Square here was swathed in olive drab as contingents of battle tanks and armoured vehicles trundled down the street.

Behind them, uniformed soldiers marching in lock-step with weapons held high in salute.

The icy display was perhaps a reflection of the tragedies that have befallen the nation in recent months, as though the aviation disasters of MH370 and MH17 have strengthened the nation’s resolve but also hardened its soul.

Still, it did not stop thousands of Malaysians from thronging the Merdeka Square and its vicinity, waving the Jalur Gemilang with gusto as the procession went on.

But even the crowd hinted at what was ailing the nation.

On a day that the country commemorates the independence jointly won from the British by its various communities 57 years ago, those gathered to mark the occasion were overwhelmingly Malay.

The largely Malay assembly blew on party horns, with some garbed head-to-toe in the colours of the Malaysian flag. Many also donned pro-Palestine scarves being sold along the road leading to the historic square.

Scattered among them were foreigners who came to view the spectacle. Those from the country’s other communities were largely noticed for their absence.

But despite reports of growing friction among the communities, those present were optimistic of the country’s future.

“I think we are doing better as a country. We are all still united despite the news, so it’s still relevant for us to celebrate,” 30-year-old Juliana Abdul Rahman told Malay Mail Online.

A family of five dressed fully attire in the design of the Malaysian flag attire, was waving their flags enthusiastically throughout the whole procession.

The father, Rosli Hassan, 39 was also happy with the direction the country is heading toward.

“I think there has been improvement, we are all closer together... They failed to make everything racial,” he said.

An Indian Muslim family of four told Malay Mail Online that they have been coming to the Merdeka Day celebrations 10 years in a row.